We’re in the process of gutting our backyard. One of the design elements we’re adding is a large deck with a built-in, U-shaped sofa–a spot for the family to lounge and unwind. In addition to the great lounging benefits, a built-in design saves us from having to splurge on new outdoor furniture. Here are 10 built-in sofas that have me convinced I’m on the right path to relaxation.
Shaded Serenity
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/shelter_island_ochre_canvas_home_garden_gardenista_pool_seating-791x1024-733x949.jpg)
LA Luxe
![Designer Shamshiri employed neutral tones on her Hollywood Hills patio, with furniture by the Los Angeles artist John Williams to complement built-in seating. For more, see Garden Visit: At Home in the Hollywood Hills with Pamela Shamshiri.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/pamela-shimshiri_jenni-kayne_home-tour_nicki-sebastian-photography-733x489.jpg)
Freestanding Built-In
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/built-in-sofa-outdoor-rooms-matthew-williams.jpg)
Poured-in-Place Concrete
![A poured in place concrete bench in the garden of the Glassell Boathouse in LA (available to rent on Airbnb). For more, see A Budget Renovation for a Stylish LA Guesthouse on Remodelista.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/poured-in-place-concrete-seating-la-733x510.jpg)
With a Bocce Pit
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/awards-finalist-greg-rainy-smith-gardenista-1-733x550.jpg)
Wood and Concrete
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/poured-in-place-concrete-built-in-seating-arterra-e1476733464559-733x891.jpg)
NYC Rooftop
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/roof-garden-pergola-built-in-furniture-pulltab-manhattan-wood-deck-gardenista.jpg)
By the Fire
![Specht Harpman Architects (now Specht Architects) won a \20\13 Gardenista Design Award for a landscape created in collaboration with Gunn Landscape Architecture. See more in Best Architectural Garden Feature.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/poured-in-place-concrete-walls-stairs-seating-new-canaan-733x700.jpg)
Brick Built-Ins
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/patio-deck-white-brick-herringbone-built-in-seating-outdoor-chairs-gardenista-e1468446523595-733x488.jpg)
Up on a Hill
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/fields/Pedersen Associates Outdoor Patio in Marin with Built in Concrete Bench and Modern Outdoor Firepit, Gardenista.jpg)
N.B.: Planning a patio or deck project? For design tips, layouts, and the best materials, see Decks & Patios 101: A Design Guide. For more, see our Hardscape 101 design guides to Fences & Gates 101 and Pavers 101. And browse our posts on materials:
- Bricks.
- Pennsylvania Bluestone.
- Limestone Pavers.
- Hardscaping 101: Design Guide for Patio Pavers.
- Low-Cost Luxe: 9 Pea Gravel Patio Ideas to Steal.
- Steal This Look: Modern White Patio.
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